Skip to main content

Republic of Kenya Department of Immigration Services

Department of Immigration Services eFNS Foreign Nationals Services
Apply Now

Citizenship

Citizenship by marriage

For people who have been married to a Kenyan citizen for at least seven years.

Form 8 Invoice after processing
Apply Now

Who it is for

Under section 11 of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act, 2011, a person who has been married to a citizen of Kenya for at least seven years is entitled, on application, to be registered as a citizen of Kenya if:

  • the marriage was solemnised under a system of law recognised in Kenya, whether in Kenya or outside Kenya
  • the applicant has not been declared a prohibited immigrant under the Act or any other law
  • the applicant has not been convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for three years or longer
  • the marriage was not entered into to acquire a status or privilege in relation to immigration or citizenship
  • the marriage was subsisting at the time of the application

What you need

Have these ready before you apply. Incomplete applications are not accepted.

  • Printed online application Form 8, printed after you complete your application

  • Two passport-size photographs

  • Copy of the marriage certificate

  • Certificate of good conduct

  • A joint sworn affidavit

  • Copy of your dependant pass or permit

  • Copy of your passport

  • Copy of your spouse’s Kenyan passport

  • Questionnaire for intending applicants, printed after you complete your application

  • Copy of your police clearance certificate

Fees

Fee Amount When it is charged
Application fee Once your application is processed KES 20,000 Once your application is processed
Issuance fee EAC citizens When your application is approved KES 50,000 When your application is approved
Issuance fee Citizens of other countries When your application is approved KES 100,000 When your application is approved
Storage charge If a certificate is not collected within 3 months of notification KES 2,000 a month If a certificate is not collected within 3 months of notification
Duplicate certificate For a duplicate citizenship certificate KES 5,000 For a duplicate citizenship certificate

Fees are set by the Department and can change: the amount on your invoice is the one that applies. Fees are non-refundable once paid.

How to apply

  1. Step 1: Sign in with eCitizen

    Use your Government of Kenya eCitizen account. If you do not have one yet, registration is free.

    Create an eCitizen account

  2. Step 2: Complete the application

    Fill in Form 8 online, for yourself or on behalf of someone else, and print it when you finish.

  3. Step 3: Pay once it is processed

    An invoice is raised once your application has been processed. Pay it through eCitizen by M-PESA, Airtel Money or card.

  4. Step 4: Present your documents

    Take your printed application and the documents listed above to the immigration office named under “Good to know”.

  5. Step 5: Follow your application

    You receive email and account notifications as your application moves through each stage.

Good to know

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • The registration fee is non-refundable.
  • Printed applications must be presented at Immigration headquarters.